HVAC duct system design using genetic algorithms

A genetic algorithm technique is used to design an HVAC air duct system wit h minimum life-cycle cost. The approach has the capability to incorporate s tandard (discrete) duct sizes, variable time-of-day operating conditions an d variable time-of-day utility rates. An example is used to illustrate thes e capabilities and results are compared to those obtained using weighted av erage flow rates and utility, rates to show the life-cycle cost savings pos sible using this genetic algorithm methodology. Life-cycle cost savings are minimal for some designs, but much larger savings are possible for complex designs and operating constraints.